Students sought for lifeguard course

AQUATIC PROGRAM IN BRADFORD

Students with the desire to become a lifeguard now have a chance to get good grades while earning their proper qualifications.
From Feb. 20 to June 19, students can earn two high school credits in one semester as well as the aquatic courses needed to be a trained lifeguard. The certification will allow those who complete the program to work anywhere in Canada as a certified lifeguard.
Bradford Leisure Centre aquatics supervisor Teresa Taylor noticed a similar program being held in Barrie.
“Now that we have the program here, which is great, any Ontario high school student can attend the classes. That includes anyone from Bradford, Newmarket, Alliston and surrounding areas,” she said.
Registration has already begun, though Ms Taylor assured that if enough interest is not shown for the program by Feb. 20, it will be offered for students in the fall.
For those interested, Wednesday nights from 4:30 to 9:30 p.m. will be the designated training times. Two extra classes, on March 30 and 31 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. have also bee included in the schedule and are mandatory.
Through the program, students will earn their two high school credits, emergency first-aid training, standard first aid, automated external defibrillator training, bronze medallion certification, bronze cross certification and their national lifesaving certification.
The cost of the program is $384, which includes all of the necessary manuals and information required. At the end of the program, students will complete a final exam in the water and must pass to receive the qualification as a lifeguard.
The course is limited to 20 participants, so students interested should sign up as soon as possible at the leisure centre or through the Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board website www.smcdsb.on.ca.
For more information, please call Rosa at 705-722-3555 ext. 331.